Three days later, at Gu Chengyu's apartment.
The previous night, Gu Chengyu's assistant had called Xu Wanwan to inform her that the dance studio in the apartment had been fully renovated. The lessons would now be held there to spare Su Qianqian the trouble of traveling back and forth.
Xu Wanwan stood in the elevator, dressed in a refined beige-white dress, holding a professional dance bag, her posture impeccably straight.
The apartment door opened, and a neatly uniformed housekeeper respectfully ushered her inside.
The first thing that caught her eye was the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Beyond them lay the most bustling, iconic skyline of S City, with the Huangpu River winding through it. Standing here felt like having the entire city at her feet.
Xu Wanwan's heart raced uncontrollably.
Cloud Peak Apartments—the most prestigious luxury residence in the city center.
She had seen countless reports about this place in financial magazines and celebrity gossip columns.
Every square inch here was worth a fortune. A duplex apartment like this wasn’t just about money—it was the ultimate symbol of status, influence, and power.
For Xu Wanwan, a rising star in the dance world, this was a peak she could never reach, no matter how hard she strived.
And yet, here she was, stepping into it. She had to find a way to seize this opportunity.
The housekeeper led her through the living room to the door of a renovated room.
When it opened, a dance studio appeared before her—one so professional it rivaled the best private studios at her school.
A massive mirrored wall, professional ballet barres, top-tier soundproof and anti-slip flooring, even a private changing room and shower…
Su Qianqian was already dressed in a fitted pink leotard, warming up in front of the mirror.
Her long, seaweed-like hair was tied into a high bun, revealing her slender swan-like neck.
Noticing Xu Wanwan’s arrival, she immediately stopped and smiled. "Teacher Xu, you're here."
Xu Wanwan quickly suppressed her thoughts and put on a warm smile. "Qianqian, Young Master Gu has really gone all out for you."
Her gaze swept over the extravagant dance studio. Every detail silently proclaimed the man’s devotion to this girl.
Su Qianqian blushed slightly and didn’t respond.
Truthfully, she was naturally sensitive to others' emotions. Though Xu Wanwan hid it well, she could sense the envy and resentment simmering beneath the surface.
But it didn’t matter to her.
After all, if she had to address every jealous person in her life, she’d be exhausted.
The lesson began.
Su Qianqian practiced diligently, sweat soon dampening her forehead, her cheeks flushed with concentration.
During a break, Xu Wanwan casually struck up a conversation. "Qianqian, didn’t you mention last time that you landed a courtesan role? Just two scenes?"
"Working so hard for just two scenes—is it worth it?" Her tone was laced with curiosity and concern.
Su Qianqian took a sip of the water handed to her by the housekeeper. "It’s worth it. No matter how small the role, the experience is mine to keep."
"Besides… Teacher Xu, I want to apply for S University’s acting program. Having a dance background will give me an advantage."
S University’s acting program?
Xu Wanwan’s smile froze for a split second, nearly slipping entirely.
She picked up her own water glass, using the motion to mask the storm of emotions in her eyes.
Here was Su Qianqian, leaning against the towering tree of the Gu family heir, living in Cloud Peak Apartments, surrounded by unimaginable luxury and resources…
And yet, she still wanted to apply for S University’s acting program? Xu Wanwan felt a surge of absurdity and indignation rise in her chest.
How many years had she struggled? How much blood, sweat, and tears had she shed in the studio?
Only to claw her way up, becoming an associate professor at S University, basking in admiration and respect.
And this girl—she had a golden ladder to the heavens right in front of her.
With just a word from Gu Chengyu, she could have the best scripts, top-tier promotions, endless resources… anything she wanted.
She could be the brightest leading lady—why settle for a two-scene courtesan role?
Why even bother with the cutthroat competition of an acting program?
Those students fought tooth and nail just to become minor celebrities or bit-part actors.
What did those achievements even mean, compared to the colossal power of the Gu family?
Priorities completely misplaced! What a waste!
A tangled mix of disdain, mockery, and twisted jealousy coiled around Xu Wanwan’s heart like a venomous snake, suffocating her.
Looking at Su Qianqian’s delicate face, then at the opulent dance studio, she could only feel the bitter irony of it all.
This studio alone was worth a top-tier celebrity like Lin Shu’s annual endorsement fee.
"It’s good to have dreams," Xu Wanwan finally managed, her voice steady, her tone still gentle—even encouraging. But the warmth never reached her eyes.
"S University’s acting program is highly competitive. You’ll need to work twice as hard, Qianqian."
She set down her glass, stood up, and clapped her hands. "Alright, break’s over. Let’s continue."
Turning toward the barre, Xu Wanwan’s smile vanished the moment her back was to Su Qianqian, replaced by icy detachment.
